The purposed ordinance would ban the drilling of wells for water in the neighborhoods just north of the Whirlpool plant.

Currently, several wells are drilled in the neighborhoods to monitor the plume of the hazardous chemical in the groundwater.

Wells can be found all over the Jacobs and Brazil Street neighborhoods.

The company told the city they want to wait on recommendations by the Arkansas Department of Environmental Equality (ADEQ) to weigh in on how to treat the issue.

The city’s mayor said he wants to get this issues resolved quickly.

“You know it’s an issue that the city’s responsibility to try to prevent any further health problems and the prevention of any future wells dug in this area is one step that we can provide without impacting any other responsibilities that the company would have or without removing any options that the homeowners or property owners might have,” said Fort Smith Mayor Sandy Sanders.

The city said they received a request by Whirlpool to pull back on the well drilling ban, but still want to hear input from environmental officials who plan to be at that meeting tonight at 6 p.m.

Whirlpool said they originally purposed the idea because it was precautionary measure even though and the chemical, Trichloroethylene, doesn't pose any health risks.

The Centers for Disease Control said Trichloroethylene is a known carcinogen and poses health risks to those exposed by the chemical.

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